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.OVERVIEW
The South Aegean region is the biggest insular region in Europe, comprising a total of 79 islands, 52 of which are inhabited. The region consist of two distinct island groups, the Cyclades-the most famous island group in the Aegean Sea- and the Dodecanese, the sunniest corner in Greece. The Cyclades- meaning “encircling islands”-consist of 39 islands in a circular formation, 24 of which are inhabited. Cyclades are home to the volcanic island of Santorini, world-famous for its black lava beaches, Mykonos known for its vivid nightlife credentials, Andros, with its long maritime tradition, Milos with numerous jaw dropping beaches, Tinos, the religious centre of the country thanks to the church of Panayia Meyalohari, to name a few. Highlights of the Dodecanese include Rhodes, known for its medieval architecture and castles, Kalymnos, the world renowned island of traditional sponge harvesting, Patmos, the place where John the Evangelist (aka John the Theologian) wrote the Book of Revelation, Kos which Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” called it home circa 400 B.C.
.HISTORY
The South Aegean region has a long history with Cyclades islands being inhabited as early as 7000 BC and making up a significant Bronze Age culture. Later they were under Roman control from 146 BC until the fall of Rome when they became a part of the Byzantium Empire. In 1204 the Venetians turned up. Many of the islands bear architectural traces of Venetian rule during the Middle Ages. Hayreddin Barbarossa, Grand Admiral of the Ottoman Navy, took the islands for the Turks in two raids, in 1537 and 1538. The Cyclades took part in various important uprisings. At the end of the War of Independence, the Cyclades were given to the young Greek kingdom of Otto in 1832.
.ECONOMY
With a ratio of almost 20 foreign visitors to each inhabitant, it’s no surprise that 95% of all local GDP in the South Aegean Region comes from tourism. The region is also one of Greece’s active fishing grounds, both for export purposes and to serve the regional tourism market.
>Gross regional product
Total: €6,4 billion Per capita: €18,700
.REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION
The South Aegean region was established in the 1987 administrative reform. The administrative region includes 52 inhabited islands. Along with the North Aegean region, it is supervised by the Decentralized Administration of the Aegean based at Piraeus.
Region’s capital: Ermoupoli (Syros island) Region’s area: 5,286 km2 Region’s population (2021): 324,542 Postal Address: Region of South Aegean, Eleftherias Square, Diokitirio, 85100 Rhodes, Greece Region’s Website: www.pnai.gov.gr Region’s tourism website: https://www.aegeanislands.gr/ Email: infodesk@pnai.gov.gr Tel: +30 22413 60502-3
Giorgos Hatzimarkos Regional Governor of South Aegean
Giorgos Chatzimarkos was born in Rhodes on June 9, 1965. In 1982 he was admitted to the School of Civil Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, from which he left to work in the family business. He has been elected Governor of South Aegean for the last three successive elections (2014, 2019, 2023). He speaks English and French.
.REGIONAL UNITS
Explore the thirteen regional units of the South Aegean. Click on each box to find out about history, museums, top attractions, beaches, gastronomy, festivals, activities, transportation, accommodation and much more.
Note: Some regional units are not available yet, they will be soon.
